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Why does NFL use K ball?
In the NFL, special balls (“K-Balls”) are used for kicking plays. These balls are harder and slicker than the balls used during normal play.
What is the K ball in the NFL?
K-balls are footballs used by the NFL for kicking plays. Shipped in directly from the Wilson factory, these balls are generally considered to be slicker and harder than the average football. They are kept separated from the rest of the balls, and a special ball boy watches over them.
Why do kickoffs go so much further than field goals?
Kickoffs come from the 35-yard line in the NFL, which would be the equivalent of a 75-yard field goal. But kickoffs go farther for a few reasons: They’re off a tee, rather than off the ground. The kicker places the ball exactly how he wants it, so there are no concerns about a bad snap or a bad hold.
Are touchbacks good for kickers?
A touchback can also be very beneficial for a kickoff team, too. When they can get a touchback, they don’t have to worry about covering the kick, and possibly allowing the return team to gain more yards than the touchback would give them.
What is different about AK ball in NFL?
In 1999, the NFL switched to special “K balls” for special teams plays because they were paranoid that players were manipulating regular balls to make them fly higher and straighter. They don’t travel as far as game-worn balls, and they can’t be “guided” as accurately as roundish, softer balls.
How is AK ball different?
It’s just that they’re considered harder and slicker than the average ball. When the K-Ball was first introduced in 1999, the original goal was that every kick had a new ball. When that didn’t work, a dozen K-Balls were rotated throughout a game to ensure that each one was kicked the same number of times.
Do football kickers wear soccer cleats?
Soccer cleats are the best for kicking and punting. Most college and pro kickers wear a leather soccer cleat that is simple in design. If you are only kicker or only a punter without having to play other positions, you could wear two different shoes.
What is a touchback on a punt?
Unlike kickoffs, punting plays always result in a touchback if the ball touches the ground in the end zone. Touchbacks can also occur if the offensive team fumbles the ball in their own end zone and goes out of bounds. If a defensive player causes the fumble, this results in a touchback for the defense.
What does a touchback in football mean?
Definition of touchback : a situation in football in which the ball is down behind the goal line after a kick or intercepted forward pass after which it is put in play by the team defending the goal on its own 20-yard line — compare safety.
What is different about AK ball?
Why do the laces have to be out?
game ball. When a holder sets the ball for a kicker, the rule of thumb is “laces out” — meaning the holder should rotate the ball to put the lace on the side facing the goal posts. Something about the way that white strip meets the kicker’s foot can make the ball fly in unpredictable directions.